TRINITY, Fla. --- Senior Matt Chattin had a game-high 23 points while junior John Russo and sophomore Joseph Guernsey each chipped in 13 points to lead the Ave Maria men's basketball team to a 73-48 season opening win over Trinity College on Monday night.

"Chattin and Guernsey both had really good games," said head coach Ken Dagostino. Chattin was a leader for us both offensively and on the defensive end and Guernsey played a key role coming off the bench when a couple guys got in foul trouble."

Ave Maria showed a little rust early on but the Gyrene defense held the Tigers to 22 first half points to give the Blue and Green a five-point advantage, 27-22, at the half.

"It was a sloppy game offensively but our defense picked us up in the second half and that made the difference," said Dagostino.

In the second half, the Gyrenes got in foul trouble early and were forced to go to their bench and the bench responded well, making some key stops and helping the Blue and Green extend their lead.

"It was great to get on the court and go against a good opponent. We can definitely take a lot away from this game and learn from our mistakes," added Dagostino.

Ave Maria had won six straight season openers.

The Gyrenes return to action on Friday (Nov. 8) when they take on NCAA DI Florida Atlantic in Boca Raton, Fla., at 7 p.m.